Orland Park tunes up for holiday

New trees in park will give concert-goers a break from the sun

Orland Park's Independence Day celebration begins with music Sunday, June 30, and includes a family run/walk event Wednesday, July 3.

To prepare for the events at the site dubbed "Ravinia South," the village planted 100 trees in the spring at a cost of $18,800 to provide an escape from the sun.

"Shade is an issue," said Village Trustee Patricia Gira about the open space at Centennial Park West, adjacent to the Colette Highlands subdivision. Gira, who chairs the village's Parks and Recreation Committee, said everything else about the site made it suitable for music events that draw large crowds.

And large crowds are expected to turn out for the City Lights Orchestra, which will make its third performance in Orland Park.

The Independence Day celebration is intended for families, especially the concert, which is promoted as having music to please a wide range of audiences, said Mayor Dan McLaughlin.

"Centennial Park West is the perfect place to enjoy some beautiful outdoor music, spend time with family and friends and start July 4 festivities," he said.

Lauren and Luke Schumacher, who have lived in Orland Park for two years, have two young children. Lauren said the City Lights event has been marked on her calendar for months.

"I really want to expose my children to music and art, and this is a nice way to interest my daughter in music without having to go all the way downtown," she said.

The concert is free and supported by sponsors. The City Lights Orchestra performance costs the village $5,435, a spokesman said.

Also planned is a Liberty Family Fun Run and Walk on Wednesday. The run is open to anyone, but registration is required. The only change from last year is the splitting of the adult and children races.

Adults begin at 5:30 p.m., and children begin at 7:30 p.m. The 2-mile run and 1-mile walk is at Centennial Park, 15600 Centennial Ave.